Monthly auction price of tea per kilogram in Kenya 2021-2023

As of September 2023, the auction price of tea in Kenya stabilized at 2.25 U.S. dollars per kilogram. Overall, the price continuously fluctuated but generally increased during the period observed. According to official data, tea and horticulture generated the highest earnings with exports in Kenya as of 2022.

 Tea trade 

  Tea is a leading trade item in Kenya and, together with coffee, mate, and spices, it makes up 24 percent of the country’s exports. As of November 2023, Kenya exported some 37 thousand metric tons of tea, which corresponded to an export value of 17.8 billion Kenyan shillings (approximately 110 million U.S. dollars). Pakistan was the main destination for Kenya’s tea, accounting for nearly 35 percent of the exports. Other key buyers of Kenyan tea were Egypt, the United Kingdom, and the United Arab Emirates.

Large tea production

  Long and sunny days, associated with deep reddish soil, make the perfect conditions to produce tea in Kenya. The country ranks third among the largest tea producers in the world, only behind China and India. In 2023, just over 412 thousand metric tons of tea were produced in Kenyan farms, mostly by small and local farmers.